La Hirondelle 64

 

By evening, the westerly breeze is at full strength. A windsurfer streaks by, swooping over the swell.

Which breaks on the Rohtres reef; the port of Piriac's natural sea wall.

Leaving Pornic, that morning, the rising sun painted the church spire rose pink.

The breeze gently sufficient, to give Stargazer four knots over the ground.

As she beats along the foot of the cliffs. inshore of the Banc de Keruoars.

To clear the Pointe de Saint-Gildas and enter the outer reaches of the River Loire.

Where the tide is running harder than I had anticipated. Halting progress west. Stargazer tacks North. Riding the stream, until it abates.

Beating past Pornichet, as the wind strengthens and the current slackens. Making westing once more.

Clawing our way out to the Pointe du Croisic and into Quiberon Bay. Able to ease sheets, at last.

Reaching along the wooded shore and its sandy bays. Stargazer making above six knots. A freshening breeze on her quarter.

Sweeping around the surf specked reef. Into the cove which it, and the shore bound cliffs, shelter.

With the beach-side village of Piriac looking on.